KATHMANDU, May 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has announced the formation of a task force under the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide relief and conduct rescue operations during the monsoon season, from June 1 to October 5.

In a discussion with stakeholders at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singha Durbar, on Monday, Minister Lamichhane emphasized the importance of preemptive measures to mitigate disaster risks. He stated that the task force will include representatives from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, Department of Roads, helicopter operators, weather forecasters, and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

The task force is instructed to create a detailed procedure and action plan outlining the responsibilities and duties for disaster protection within three days. Minister Lamichhane stressed the state's responsibility to provide timely relief and rescue services, insisting that preparations must be in place before disasters occur.

He directed the task force to ensure that procedures are established to enable immediate action without legal hindrances, including coordination with all relevant agencies. He also called for the representation of key departments in the task force to streamline efforts.

Additionally, Minister Lamichhane ordered an assessment and immediate arrangement of Bailey Bridges, which are critical when roads are blocked due to floods and landslides. He also urged the preparation of teams to relocate families at risk of floods and landslides to safer locations.

"No citizen should die because of the government’s failure to act during a disaster. Prepare an action plan and present it within three days so the state can provide immediate rescue operations. The government must be ready to reach high-risk areas immediately," he asserted.

The goal, he stated, is to prevent man-made disasters, ensure immediate rescue operations if needed, and reinforce the public's confidence in the government's ability to protect them.

 
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